Outdoor Recreation in Urban Spaces
A half-block from our studio there is a bridge that I walk under almost every day. Well, actually using the word bridge is selling it short, it’s actually an overpass for a section of freeway
that cuts right through the heart of Milwaukee. The space is somewhat typical of what happens in urban areas under overpasses – it’s used as a parking lot, left feral or otherwise ignored. Despite its present undeveloped state, this location has a few things going for it. It’s across the street from the Milwaukee Public Market, it abuts Milwaukee’s River Walk Ridicule hd pedestrian thoroughfare and is right next door to a public launch for kayakers, canoeists and rowers who use the Milwaukee River. Here in the heart of the city, in an otherwise unused space and surrounded by such great attractions, seems like the perfect place to create an urban park focused on active recreation.
The Easter Egg Adventure movies
Other municipalities have done this with great success already. Portland, Oregon has the Burnside Skatepark, located under the Burnside Bridge. Built originally without permission from the city, this skatepark is now officially supported by the city and creates a public recreation area in a dense urban area that’s sheltered from the weather due to it’s location under such a large structure.
The Devil’s Own trailer A Hanson Dodge Creative colleague of mine sent me a link to the Colonnade Mountain Bike Park in Seattle, Washington. I can’t describe this place it’s so insanely inventive. It’s truly a new model of how urban “in-between” spaces can be dramatically re-imagined and converted from grafitti-strewn dirt patches into urban playgrounds. The park features mountain bike trails and obstacles, at various ability levels, in an unbelievably small footprint under a brige.
I walk by that mean space every day on my way to work and I imagine opportunity for joy in the heart of the city. Here’s to hoping it doesn’t become just another parking lot.
Wow. That’s rather awesome.
I think this is a great idea. What needs to happen to get this done?
There’s also a skatepark in Minneapolis (Hopkins, actually) that’s under an overpass.
http://www.hopkinsmn.com/overpass/index.html
FDR Skatepark in Philadelphia also has the same success. It’s located across the street from the eagles stadium on Broad St. I believe it was created by locals and Ive seen kids pouring concrete to make new ramps. The graffiti is actually really fitting.The only downside It is very localized and does not really benefit lower skill levels. The City has claimed it after it made success in video games.
http://www.pbase.com/blathrop/fdrsk8park
Thanks for the additional links. I wasn’t aware of these 2 parks.